Last Known ActivityRaleigh, N.C. Three of the 30 U.S. servicemen killed in an Afghanistan helicopter crash last weekend were based at Fort Bragg's Pope Field, the Department of Defense said Thursday.Tech Sgt. John W. Brown, 33, of Tallahassee, Fla., Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Harvell, 26, of Long Beach, Calif., and Tech Sgt. Daniel L. Zerbe, 28, of York, Pa., were killed when a rocket-propelled grenade launched by Taliban insurgents in eastern Afghanistan hit their CH-47 Chinook helicopter.All three were assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron.

Comments/CitationHis 2nd Bronze Star with Valor Citation:

On: 31 October 2008 - For exceptionally valorous achievement as an assault force pararescueman for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On this date, Sergeant Zerbe's bravery under fire and decisive actions were instrumental to the elimination of a high ranking Taliban facilitator and enemy combatants. During an intense firefight, without regard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Zerbe exposed himself to enemy contact and maneuvered to a position of tactical advantage, enabling him to eliminate armed enemy combatants. His actions were crucial in ensuring the protection of the assault force and the success of the mission. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Staff Sergeant Zerbe reflected great credit upon himself, this command, the United States Air Force, and the United States Army.

His 4th Bronze Star Medal Citation:

Period: 1 July 2011 to 6 August 2011 - For exceptionally meritorious achievement as an assault force pararescueman for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this period, Sergeant Zerbe conducted several objectives resulting in multiple enemies eliminated and detained. He led the full spectrum medical and rescue planning, ensuring the successful execution of the task force's highest priority missions. On 4 August 2011, Sergeant Zerbe and his team responded on a mission to eliminate or capture a high-value Taliban commander in Afghanistan. His helicopter was attacked in the target area by enemy fighters and was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Technical Sergeant Zerbe reflected great credit upon himself, this command, the United States Air Force, and the United States Army.